Bloomberg Philanthropies: Partnership for Healthy Cities Launches Online Platform to Support City Leaders Responding to COVID-19
NEW YORK — The Partnership for Healthy Cities (PHC) today launched a new online platform for mayors, city officials and public health practitioners to support their efforts to address the COVID-19 crisis. The Partnership for Healthy Cities COVID-19 Response Center includes the latest tools and technical resources geared toward urban challenges, ranging from maintaining city services to legal guidance on implementing critical public health measures, for cities at every stage of the pandemic. The online platform was developed by the global health organization Vital Strategies, with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the World Health Organization. The PHC COVID-19 Response sits within the Bloomberg Philanthropies Coronavirus Global Response Initiative, in collaboration with leading global experts on epidemic prevention.
COVID-19 has the potential for rapid spread in urban centers, and many of those at risk for the most severe complications are those with underlying conditions including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease and cancer. Reaffirming its commitment to cities during this evolving crisis, the Partnership for Healthy Cities has shifted and expanded its scope of work—from a focus on preventing NCDs and injuries—to immediate assistance in the urban response to COVID-19.
“The coronavirus crisis is posing urgent new challenges to mayors and city health agencies across the world. Through the Partnership for Healthy Cities, we’re working to ensure they have the support they need,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, and three-term mayor of New York City. “Today, we’re launching an online resource center to provide city leaders with important tools and technical resources to take on the crisis and share strategies that work. The actions we take now, informed by the best scientific guidance, can help contain this pandemic and save many lives.”
The Partnership for Healthy Cities COVID-19 Response Center will continually update cities with guidance and up-to-date scientific information through webinars, technical materials and other assets. A resource exchange component of the Response Center allows for particular focus on peer-to-peer learning among cities, to facilitate collaboration and scaling-up of good practices. Cities will also receive key resources from trusted leaders such as the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USAID, Pan American Health Organization and Vital Strategies.